01 a] Define Computer. Broadly classify the computers based on their Speed, Storage, and Price.
Answer:-
“Computer is an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program“
COMPUTER TYPES
Apart from being classified by generations, computers can also be categorized by their size.
The size of a computer is often an indirect indication of its capabilities.
Supercomputers:
- These are huge machines having the most powerful and fastest processors.
- It uses multiple CPUs for parallel data processing.
- Speeds are measured in flops (floating-point operations per second).
- The fastest operates at 34 petaflops.
- They are used for weather forecasting and analysis of geological data.
- They have enormous storage, use more power and generate a lot of heat.
- They are used by government agencies.
Mainframes:
- These are multi-user machines that support many users using the feature of time-sharing.
- It can run multiple programs even with a single CPU.
- The processor speed is measured in MIPS (Million instructions per second).
- It is used to handle data, and applications related to organization and online transactions in banks, financial institutions, and large corporations.
Minicomputers/Midrange computers:
- It was introduced by DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation).
- They can serve hundreds of users and are small enough to partially occupy a room.
- They are used in smaller organizations or a department of a large one.
- They are not affordable to be used at the home.
Microcomputers:
- The microcomputer or PC is introduced by Apple and endorsed by IBM.
- This is a single-user machine powered by a single-chip microprocessor.
- They are very powerful machines having gigabytes of memory.
- They are both used in standalone mode and in a network.
- A microcomputer takes the form of a desktop, notebook (laptop), or netbook (smaller laptop).
- PCs today are powered by 3 types of OS – windows (7, 8, or 10), Mac OS X (Apple), and Linux.
- They are used for engineering and scientific applications and for software development.
Smartphones and Embedded Computers:
- The smartphone is a general-purpose computer i.e., capable of making phone calls. It has a powerful processor, with multiple
cores, supports GBs of memory, and runs a developed OS (Android or iOS). - It can be operated with a keyboard, touch, or stylus.
Embedded Computers or microcontrollers are very small circuits containing a CPU, non-volatile memory, and input and output handling facilities. - They are embedded into many machines that we use – cars, washing machines, cameras, etc.
- The processor here runs a single unmodifiable program stored in memory.